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ESET previews new AI security features to secure chatbot communications and AI workflows

  • Showcased at RSAC 2026, ESET’s upcoming AI security features will protect the full AI conversation flow by scanning both prompts and responses to reduce data exposure and compliance risks.
  • Built as browser security features, they will shield against malicious links, scripts, and content generated by LLMs and prevent upload of sensitive and confidential data into public AI systems.
  • ESET also presented its new endpoint security capabilities designed to secure personal AI assistants from AI supply chain attacks while creating a free, public ESET AI Skills Checker to detect risky and malicious behavior of AI skills before deployment.
San Diego, Calif. — Apr. 2, 2026 —ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity, today announced upcoming AI protection capabilities designed to safeguard how employees interact with AI tools. Demonstrated at RSAC 2026 and set to launch later this year, the new features will expand visibility in the ESET PROTECT Platform to investigate emerging risks tied to everyday AI usage and agentic AI adoption across an enterprise. “As companies rely more on AI for productivity and automation, they face growing risks around sensitive data exposure, compliance violations, and misleading outputs,” said Juraj Jánošík, ESET Director of Artificial Intelligence. “Agentic AI is shifting the security battlefield back to the endpoint. ESET has spent over 30 years building leading endpoint protection powered by AI and machine learning, so we’re uniquely positioned to help organizations secure this next wave of AI right where it starts.” As AI tools become embedded in everyday workflows, many employees are using open cloud chatbots without IT oversight, creating “shadow AI” risks and exposing sensitive data such as internal documents, API keys, secrets, and credentials. ESET addresses this through various technologies that get as close to the source as possible, one of which is a secure browser technology that intercepts AI interactions and analyzes both prompts and responses in real time, helping prevent data exposure and detect malicious or misleading content before it impacts users. In demonstrations at RSAC 2026, the new AI protection feature flagged malicious URLs submitted through chatbot prompts, logging activity at the endpoint and surfacing it in the ESET PROTECT Platform for investigation. The same approach applies to prompt injection attempts, scripts, and sensitive data inputs, enabling organizations to block or monitor activity in accordance with their policies. Security teams will gain visibility into how AI tools are used across their organization through ESET PROTECT Platform logging, helping them investigate risks and enforce policies more effectively. As organizations expand their use of agentic AI tools, the attack surface is extending beyond chatbot interactions to include emerging AI supply chain risks. These include compromised AI frameworks and tools, such as trojanized components in widely used libraries like LiteLLM, as well as autonomous agents like OpenClaw that can execute actions on a system with limited oversight. ESET has already been protecting its customers from supply-chain attacks through compromised libraries delivered via standard repositories but is noting a rise in these types of attacks and remains committed to further research and development relating to AI tools. As part of its broader AI security innovation, ESET launched a free ESET AI Skills Checker at RSAC 2026. Available to non-ESET customers and built on the same technology as ESET’s endpoint security products and ESET LiveGuard, the scanner analyzes AI skills for hidden instructions, malicious code, and risky behavior, using multilayered inspection and cloud-based sandboxing. It is currently available as a built-in feature for existing ESET Endpoint users. For more than 30 years, ESET has pioneered lightweight, high‑performance endpoint security powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence. These new capabilities extend that foundation by helping organizations defend against today’s rapidly shifting threat landscape, where cybercriminals increasingly harness AI to scale attacks, target employees, and automate sophisticated social engineering. As the only dedicated cybersecurity member of the Agentic AI Foundation (AAIF), ESET is also working to secure emerging AI agent communication protocols through collaboration with industry leaders like OpenAI, Amazon, Microsoft, and Anthropic. Together, the group is working to establish trusted standards, secure protocol designs, and best practices for AI agent interoperability.

About ESET
For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint security to encryption and two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give individuals and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defenses in real time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D facilities worldwide, ESET became the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without interruption since 2003.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

ESET wins four Global InfoSec Awards at RSAC 2026

San Diego, Calif. — Mar. 26, 2026 — ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity, today announced that it has won four Global InfoSec Awards from Cyber Defense Magazine (CDM), the industry’s leading electronic information security magazine. Now in its thirteenth year, the Global Infosec Awards honor InfoSec innovators from around the globe and have recognized ESET’s innovation across multiple strategic categories, including MDR, AI-driven security, threat intelligence, and cybersecurity training.

ESET received the following honors in the 2026 Global InfoSec Awards:

  • Market Disruptor — Managed Detection and Response: ESET PROTECT MDR
  • Publisher’s Choice — AI Cybersecurity: ESET
  • Publisher’s Choice — Cybersecurity Training: ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training
  • Publisher’s Choice — Threat Intelligence: ESET Threat Intelligence

ESET picked up the awards on March 24, 2026, at the RSAC 2026 Conference taking place in San Francisco.

“These awards reinforce the real-world impact of the work our teams are doing every day to help organizations detect threats faster and respond with confidence,” said Ryan Grant, Country Manager, U.S. and Canada, at ESET. “Whether it’s reducing response times through MDR, giving analysts better visibility with AI-powered tools or helping employees recognize attacks before they start, our focus is on delivering security capabilities that organizations can operationalize immediately to reduce risk.”

ESET PROTECT MDR, recognized as a Market Disruptor in the MDR category, combines AI-powered automation with expert human threat hunting supported by threat intelligence to deliver rapid detection and response. Designed for organizations of all sizes, the ESET PROTECT solution + security service package provides an advanced security baseline, along with 24/7 monitoring, tailored reporting, and an average detection and response time of just six minutes. The MDR portfolio includes offerings for enterprises, small and midsize businesses, and managed service providers, helping organizations address the cybersecurity skills gap while achieving enterprise-grade protection.

In the AI Cybersecurity category, ESET was recognized for its long-standing leadership in applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to cybersecurity. This innovation is exemplified by the ESET AI Advisor, a generative AI-powered assistant integrated into the ESET PROTECT XDR Platform. Built on ESET’s decades of AI and machine learning expertise, the ESET AI Advisor helps security analysts streamline threat identification and response by delivering recommendations grounded in high-quality telemetry, facilitating faster decision-making for critical incidents.

ESET Threat Intelligence earned the Publisher’s Choice recognition for providing organizations with highly curated, actionable intelligence to anticipate and mitigate sophisticated cyber threats. In recent years, ESET has expanded its intelligence capabilities with additional proprietary threat feeds, new tiers of APT reports accessible to organizations of all sizes, and the introduction of eCrime Reports that provide unprecedented visibility into ransomware and infostealer operations.

Also recognized with a Publisher’s Choice award, ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training equips employees with real-world skills to recognize and respond to cyber threats. Developed in collaboration with ESET Research and educators, the program incorporates interactive learning techniques such as role-playing scenarios, gamification, and phishing simulations to improve engagement and retention. With customizable training portals, compliance support, and advanced reporting capabilities, the program helps organizations strengthen their human firewall and build a resilient security culture.

“ESET embodies three major features we judges look for to become winners: understanding tomorrow’s threats, today, providing a cost-effective solution and innovating in unexpected ways that can help mitigate cyber risk and get one step ahead of the next breach,” said Gary S. Miliefsky, Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine.

Discover more information on ESET and its industry and customer recognition.

 

About ESET
For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint security to encryption and two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give individuals and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defenses in real time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D facilities worldwide, ESET became the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without interruption since 2003.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

ESET receives Intel vPro Certified App status – Delivering performance benefits for business customers while advancing threat detection capability

SAN DIEGO, Calif., March 24, 2026 – ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity, today announced that it has received ©Intel vPro Certified App status for ESET PROTECT cybersecurity solutions. This certification validates that ESET PROTECT meets the rigorous efficiency and performance targets set for ©Intel vPro platforms, including enhanced user experience, extended battery life, preserved CPU usage and background performance for business customers.

“At ESET, we believe that world class protection must never come at the cost of performance,” said Juraj Malcho, CTO at ESET. “Reaching Intel ©vPro Certified App status reflects our dedication to innovation by engineering highly efficient security solutions. Through our collaboration with Intel, we’ve been able to elevate the performance and energy efficiency of ESET PROTECT by leveraging the advanced features of Intel’s hardware technologies.”

Since 2022, ESET and Intel have closely collaborated to deliver advanced ransomware protection through ©Intel Threat Detection Technology (Intel TDT) to customers around the world,
and—together—the companies have worked to enable Intel-powered AI PC users to take advantage of Intel’s hybrid processor architecture to access advanced protection and performance benefits. To gain Intel vPro Certified App status, ESET fine-tuned its products to efficiently run on Intel vPro. These efforts have delivered an 86% reduction in background activity, lowered CPU utilization by 72%, and increased power efficiency by 66% on Intel vPro powered PCs1.

As the latest chapter in the collaboration, ESET is in advanced evaluation of detection capabilities for ©Intel Threat Detection Technology – Deep Learning & Trace based Execution Context Tracker (©Intel TDT-DTECT). Intel TDT-DTECT presents a novel approach to detecting malicious activity by leveraging advanced AI techniques to analyze runtime x86 machine code execution, captured directly from the CPU. This method bypasses traditional security strategies that rely on file scanning, behavioral indicators, or cloud sandboxing, focusing instead on the actual instructions executed by the processor in real-time.

“Intel TDT-DTECT introduces a new approach to threat detection by applying AI to processor-level execution tracing, available uniquely with Intel” said Dennis Luo, Sr. Director and GM, Worldwide AI PC Developer Relations at Intel. “We’re working closely with ESET as they are implementing TDT-DTECT to offer commercial users an effective solution to counter advanced malware threats in today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape.”

Intel TDT-DTECT exemplifies a paradigm shift by embedding detection capabilities at the hardware execution level, enhancing security beyond conventional software-based methods. By innovating on top of Intel TDT-DTECT, ESET customers will gain better visibility and overall performance in the following areas:

  • Polymorphic Malware Detection: Tracking malware families that constantly regenerate binaries or packers.
  • Loader and Sideloading Identification: Detecting sophisticated loader frameworks designed to blend in with legitimate processes.
  • Fileless and Memory-Resident Threats: Identifying in-memory payloads that leave no filesystem footprint.
  • Distinguishing Legitimate vs Malicious Use: Differentiating benign and malicious execution paths of legitimate binaries.
  • Early-Stage Behavior Monitoring: Capturing subtle initialization routines such as API hashing and sandbox checks that typically precede attacks.

These capabilities enable enhanced detection, threat hunting, and intelligence sharing, helping security teams intervene early and proactively.

Visitors to RSAC 2026 are able to hear more about this strategic partnership at ESET’s Booth N-5253 where Intel Corporation’s Global Lead for Security Partner Enabling, Client Computing Group, Tyler Welt, will present with ESET’s Vice President of Enterprise, SMB and MSP, Michal Jankech on the companies’ collaboration and latest innovations. Learn more at https://www.eset.com/us/business/rsac/.

©Intel, the Intel logo and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.

1Based on ESET internal testing comparing Q2’26 Release Presets to the prior versions from Sept. 2025 in a fully configured live IT environment. See http://www.Intel.com/vPro for details. Results may vary.

About ESET
For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint security to encryption and two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give individuals and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defenses in real time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D facilities worldwide, ESET became the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without interruption since 2003.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

ESET launches Cloud Workload Protection and AI enhancements for ESET PROTECT customers

  • ESET to protect cloud virtual machines (VMs) from advanced threats with its new ESET Cloud Workload Protection module.
  • While competitors often offer cloud workload protection as a stand-alone offering, ESET includes it at no additional cost for ESET PROTECT customers.
  • Other updates include advanced AI reporting for ESET’s cloud sandboxing technology with autonomous remediation, improved investigations, and expanded integration for AI Advisor into the ESET PROTECT console.

SAN FRANCISCO — March 23, 2026 — ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity, today launched ESET Cloud Workload Protection as part of a comprehensive update for its ESET PROTECT Platform. Announced at RSAC 2026, this new module helps customers to move beyond endpoints and servers to cover cloud workloads, significantly enriching telemetry for detection and response while consolidating security management across endpoint and cloud environments inside a single pane of glass.

“Many businesses, especially those in the midmarket, as well as MSPs, have been steadily adopting cloud features such as virtual machines to enhance their productivity,” said Michal Jankech, Vice President, Enterprise & SMB/MSP at ESET. “About 80% of organizations regard the public cloud as crucial for their digital business initiatives. With ESET Cloud Workload Protection, we have reduced the attack surface for customers by extending our protection to virtual machines running in AWS, Azure, and GCP environments.”

ESET’s Cloud Workload Protection module protects virtual machines in public cloud environments, ingesting cloud VM data into the ESET PROTECT XDR Platform to gain extended visibility. While competitors often offer cloud workload protection as a stand-alone offering, ESET includes it at no additional cost for ESET PROTECT customers (except ESET PROTECT Entry).

With the average cost of a public cloud data breach amounting to a striking $5.17 million per incident—the highest among all environments, this new module cuts complexity with AI-driven automation and gives customers a richer set of tools to respond to threats at every stage of an attack. Known for being lightweight, the module helps IT managers to validate their controls and generate audit evidence for regulatory frameworks such as NIST, CIS, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and others.

Additional improvements to ESET PROTECT include:

  • New AI reporting in ESET LiveGuard Advanced, which makes the lives of security specialists easier—providing behavioral reports that detail the actions and characteristics of incidents analyzed by ESET’s cloud sandbox, and autonomous remediation. For those with XDR-enabled subscriptions, these reports are enhanced with AI-generated summaries that simplify complex findings.
  • Improved Incident Graphs and Advanced Investigations for EDR and XDR customers that provides a clear visual representation of each incident—enabling security teams to quickly understand the attack, identify the initial entry point, and track its progression over time. Incidents now include richer contextual insights, such as identity-related information, along with overall quality improvements that support faster, more effective investigation and response. Advanced Search features enable fast and flexible investigation across security indicators and related events from multiple security perimeters.
  • ESET AI Advisor has been added to the ESET PROTECT console to improve usability and to simplify access to this assistant, previously included only in a dedicated ESET Inspect Incidents section.

Launched ahead of RSAC 2026, visitors to this global cybersecurity tradeshow can visit booth N-5253 to receive a demo of ESET PROTECT and talk to ESET’s threat experts. Details on ESET’s presentation schedule, meeting requests, and booth activities can be found here.

For more information about ESET PROTECT, visit ESET’s website. To find out how these products fared in independent testing, visit MITRE and AV-Comparatives.

About ESET
For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint security to encryption and two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give individuals and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defenses in real time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D facilities worldwide, ESET became the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without interruption since 2003.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

ESET Research: The EDR Killer Ecosystem 2026

ESET Research has unveiled a massive shift in ransomware tactics. Attackers are increasingly using EDR Killers—specialized tools designed to blind security software—as a prerequisite for successful data encryption.

Strategic Division of Labor Affiliates pick the tools, while operators provide the encryptors. More affiliates mean more diverse and unpredictable attack methods.
The AI Influence Recent codebases, specifically from the Warlock gang, show markers of AI-assisted generation, including “trial-and-error” logic.
Driverless Neutralization BYOVD is common, but attackers now abuse legitimate anti-rootkit utilities and admin commands to suspend protection without touching the kernel.
 

The Defensive Reality

Protecting against modern ransomware requires a mindset shift. Unlike automated threats, ransomware is a human-driven operation. When a tool fails or a driver is blocked, the attacker is there in real-time to pivot to a new method.

“While preventing vulnerable drivers from loading is a crucial step, it is not a silver bullet. Defenders must aim to disrupt EDR killers before they establish a kernel-level foothold.”

For the full technical analysis, visit WeLiveSecurity.com and search for the 2026 EDR Killer Ecosystem report.

About ESET
For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint security to encryption and two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give individuals and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defenses in real time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D facilities worldwide, ESET became the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without interruption since 2003.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.